EDITORIAL ! Tribalism: The Slow Poison Killing Nigeria’s Progress

By CSR Reporters Editorial Board

One of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s unity and progress is not poverty, insecurity, or even corruption—it is tribalism.

This deeply entrenched issue continues to erode the very fabric of our national existence. It shows up in our politics, our employment systems, our institutions—and perhaps most dangerously—in our minds.

In a nation as diverse as Nigeria, ethnicity should be a source of pride and strength. Instead, it has become a basis for division and a weapon of manipulation. Leadership is no longer judged by capacity, vision, or service, but by geography and surname.

When leaders fail, we often hear voices defending them not based on performance, but on ethnic identity. Criticism is dismissed as “bias,” and accountability is replaced with blind loyalty. This attitude emboldens incompetence and encourages mediocrity.

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Whether in political appointments or employment opportunities, tribal favoritism is doing untold damage. It sidelines merit, breeds nepotism, and fuels resentment. The result? A nation stagnant, frustrated, and divided.

At CSR Reporters, we condemn this trend in the strongest terms. We believe that Nigeria’s progress depends on fairness, equity, and meritocracy. We call on all Nigerians—regardless of tribe or tongue—to reject tribal sentiment and champion national unity.

This is a call to action:

• Let’s demand leadership that works for all, not just for “our people.”
• Let’s support policies and appointments based on competence, not convenience.
• Let’s rebuild trust in the system by eliminating ethnic bias at all levels of governance.

Tribalism is not patriotism. It is a betrayal of our collective future.

Nigeria belongs to all of us. And only together can we fix it.